BlondeSquirrel04
Ridin' The Range
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2012
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- 198
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I have a 12 year old female alpaca. She likes to keep "playing dead" as we call it. I'll find her on her side, neck back, looking like she's going to die. She's done this to me 4 times in the past year!
First, she was down with meningeal worm. Followed the protocol, wormed her well and she recovered quickly. This was last summer/fall.
Second time it appeared to be choke. She was making these gurgling sounds and sounded very gassy. This was the worst I've ever seen her. I gave a baking soda, canola oil, and Gas-X drench as a last resort. I figured she'd pass either way. Nope. About 30 minutes later, I saw that she had gotten up and walked away. This was probably a month ago.
Third time, neighbor called and said she looked dead. Came home and found her down again. No gas sounds, and no meningeal worm for sure. Tried to help her up and she resisted. A few minutes later, she popped herself up and walked away. Two weeks ago.
Fourth time was last night. Again, found her on her side, looking like it was the end. She seemed gassy like the other time, so I did the same as before. Baking soda and oil drench. Went out to check 15 minutes later, and she's up at the feed pan wanting dinner.
The vets around here are no help. If she had a broken leg, they could treat that. Otherwise, no help.
Does this sound like an ulcer, or old age, or...??
First, she was down with meningeal worm. Followed the protocol, wormed her well and she recovered quickly. This was last summer/fall.
Second time it appeared to be choke. She was making these gurgling sounds and sounded very gassy. This was the worst I've ever seen her. I gave a baking soda, canola oil, and Gas-X drench as a last resort. I figured she'd pass either way. Nope. About 30 minutes later, I saw that she had gotten up and walked away. This was probably a month ago.
Third time, neighbor called and said she looked dead. Came home and found her down again. No gas sounds, and no meningeal worm for sure. Tried to help her up and she resisted. A few minutes later, she popped herself up and walked away. Two weeks ago.
Fourth time was last night. Again, found her on her side, looking like it was the end. She seemed gassy like the other time, so I did the same as before. Baking soda and oil drench. Went out to check 15 minutes later, and she's up at the feed pan wanting dinner.
The vets around here are no help. If she had a broken leg, they could treat that. Otherwise, no help.
Does this sound like an ulcer, or old age, or...??